Awards
Presented by
BOB HARO
- Hall of Fame
- 1987
- Freestyle
- USA BMX
Founder of Haro Bikes, famed BMX artist, the man responsible for changing the face of number plates ...and the honorary Godfather of Freestyle BMX.
He is the founder of Haro Bikes, and the artist responsible for changing the face of number plates.
ARTIST: Bob Haro`s first pieces of work appeared in BMX Weekly--a monthly newspaper in mid-70`s. Soon after, he was hired on as staff artist for BMX ACTION magazine, where he inked some of the raddest BMX drawings ever seen (including the Grab-On Kid ad campaign).
ENTREPRENEUR: While on the wild 'n wacky Scot Breithaupt Summer Tour, Haro's artistic talent and need for some extra cash lead him to making custom numbers, hand-cut from shelving paper. Furthermore, he saw a need for more custom plates - other than the usual rectangular or oval shapes available. Bob began making these unique colorful plates; at first hand hand-bending the plastic over a stove. Demand quickly grew and Haro Designs was born--with his first Lightning Bolt plates selling like hot cakes.
Eventually, Haro made everything from 2-finger levers, gloves and elbow pads, to race pants and jerseys, and eventually - in 1982, came out with the first made-strictly-for-Freestyle frame (modeled after his twin top-tubed Torker). His love for stylish clothing inspired him to come out with his own clothing line, called MOTIVES.
Eventually, Haro made everything from 2-finger levers, gloves and elbow pads, to race pants and jerseys, and eventually - in 1982, came out with the first made-strictly-for-Freestyle frame (modeled after his twin top-tubed Torker). His love for stylish clothing inspired him to come out with his own clothing line, called MOTIVES.
GODFATHER of FREESTYLE: Bob was not only a BMXer, but also admired skating. So, it came naturally for he and his friends to attempt BMX-versions of standard skating manuevers. One of the first moves was the "rock walk" on a bike; which Bob's good friend John Swanguen was featured doing in the January 1979 issue of BMX Action magazine. "Trick Riding."
Bob teamed up with fellow BMXA test rider R.L.Osborn, to form the very first freestyle team - making their debut at the 1980 ABA Winternationals. Hauling the plexiglass Pepsi halfpipe across the desert to Chandler, AZ, Haro and RL mesmerized the first of many crowds and blew many minds on that day. You might even say, the sport of Freestyle was officially birthed that weekend.
Bob teamed up with fellow BMXA test rider R.L.Osborn, to form the very first freestyle team - making their debut at the 1980 ABA Winternationals. Hauling the plexiglass Pepsi halfpipe across the desert to Chandler, AZ, Haro and RL mesmerized the first of many crowds and blew many minds on that day. You might even say, the sport of Freestyle was officially birthed that weekend.
Over the decades, Bob has inspired and influenced tens of thousands of BMX youth and adults. He continues to be a huge draw at any vintage BMX event, and the Haro brand of bikes are still around to this day (although, under new ownership).
Haro's classic artwork, along with his latest casual wear and brand new Iconix bike, can be purchased at BobHaro.com.